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Between 40% and 85% of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are overweight or obese and obesity is closely linked to the development of PCOS. Although it is well established that obesity increases the severity of the clinical features of PCOS, data regarding the prevalence of PCOS in obese women and the change in body weight in women with PCOS over time are scares. In a prevalence study it was investigated whether obesity increases the risk of PCOS in the general population and they demonstrated that the prevalence rate of PCOS in underweight, normal-weight, overweight, and obese women were 8.2, 9.8, 9.9, and 9.0%, respectively, similar to that observed in the general population. These results suggest that the risk of PCOS is only minimally increased with obesity. On the other hand, in a Spanish prevalence study among overweight and obese subjects, they demonstrated a 28.3% prevalence of PCOS, which is markedly higher compared with the 5.5% prevalence of PCOS in lean women in Spain.

First the investigators aim to estimate the prevalence/probability of PCOS among obese, premenopausal women (between 18 and 50 years) with no symptoms of classic menopausal symptoms in Sweden. Secondly, to elucidate whether women diagnosed with PCOS respond to standard weight reduction regime to the same extent as women without PCOS.

All obese women between 18 and 50 years diagnosed with PCOS referred to a weight reduction treatment program at the Sahlgrenska Obesity Center at Sahlgrenska University hospital

Other: Weight reduction regimen

The dietary intervention begins with a 12-weeks VLCD/LCD period. The diet comprise of 3 to 5 portions liquid diet with a daily energy intake of 450-800 kcal. In addition, patients will be encouraged to drink 1,5-2L daily of non-caloric beverages (<6 kcal/100 ml). All patients will have scheduled nurse visits at week 0 (baseline), 2, 5, 8, and 12. At these visits general well-being and body weight will be monitored. The patient will also be given support and counselling to enhance compliance to the VLCD/LCD diet.

Women without PCOS

All obese women between 18 and 50 years not diagnosed with PCOS referred to a weight reduction treatment program at the Sahlgrenska Obesity Center at Sahlgrenska University hospital

Other: Weight reduction regimen

The dietary intervention begins with a 12-weeks VLCD/LCD period. The diet comprise of 3 to 5 portions liquid diet with a daily energy intake of 450-800 kcal. In addition, patients will be encouraged to drink 1,5-2L daily of non-caloric beverages (<6 kcal/100 ml). All patients will have scheduled nurse visits at week 0 (baseline), 2, 5, 8, and 12. At these visits general well-being and body weight will be monitored. The patient will also be given support and counselling to enhance compliance to the VLCD/LCD diet.

Prevalence/probability of PCOS among obese, premenopausal women (between 18 and 50 years) with no symptoms of classic menopausal symptoms in Sweden. [ Time Frame: Within one month after first visit ]

Screening for PCOS among obese women includes menstrual history, clinical and biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound measure in women with one of signs included in the diagnosis of the syndrome.

Secondary Outcome Measures :

Response to weight reduction regime among obese women with and without PCOS [ Time Frame: One year after inclusion ]

Food frequency [ Time Frame: Within one month after measure ]

Health Related Quality of Life [ Time Frame: Screening and one year later ]

Symptoms of anxiety and depression [ Time Frame: Screening and after one year ]

Changes in sex steroids and other related hormones [ Time Frame: Screening and after 1 year ]

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Layout table for eligibility information

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 50 Years (Adult)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Sampling Method:

Probability Sample

Study Population

All obese women between 18 and 50 years referred to a weight reduction treatment program at the Sahlgrenska Obesity Center at Sahlgrenska University hospital will, after oral and written informed consent, be screened for the diagnosis of PCOS according to NIH or Rotterdam diagnostic criteria depending on the availability of ultrasonography.

Oral contraceptives and insulin sensitizing agents is commonly used among women with PCOS since it may interfere with hormone profile. As the prevalence of PCOS can be assumed to be increased among women using oral contraceptives and insulin sensitizing agents, they are included but analyzed separately.